During the April 9, 2025, County Commission meeting, the Sandoval County Board of County Commissioners approved a Motion of Concurrence to hire Eric Masterson, Sandoval County Fire and Rescue Chief, as Deputy County Manager. His term begins on April 12, 2025. Following the vote, Commission Chair Michael Meek, Dist. 3, shared, “I have known Eric Masterson for a very long time. He is a man of integrity with a thorough understanding of our community…he is a great choice.”

Mr. Masterson started as a volunteer firefighter in 2006. He joined the Fire and Rescue Department in 2007 and held positions of increasing responsibility including paramedic, lieutenant, and deputy chief. He assumed the role of Chief in 2019. County Manager Wayne A. Johnson remarked that “Eric Masterson has served the residents of Sandoval County for almost 20 years and his leadership has long been recognized within the County. We are confident that his experience, expertise, and creativity will be of significant benefit to the County, and we look forward to seeing him excel in this expanded capacity as he did during his Fire and Rescue career.”

As Deputy County Manager, Masterson will be responsible for overseeing the operations of several departments within the County and specific programming and other duties as assigned by the County Manager. Regarding his new opportunity, Masterson said, “This position will allow me to continue to serve the residents and visitors of Sandoval County to the best of my ability, and I will strive to contribute to the County’s growth and development by achieving the goals identified.”

Masterson holds a Master’s of Public Safety Leadership and Administration from Arizona State and is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer program from the National Fire Academy. His other degrees include a Bachelor of Science in EMS Management and an associate degree from CNM. He and his family reside in Rio Rancho.